Industry Relations Specialist (Livestock) Objective

To provide the necessary research, education, and information in the areas of commodity, animal care and animal disease, and value-added issues which will enable Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) members and the general agricultural community to improve their economic and general wellbeing. 

Industry Relations Specialist (Livestock) Responsibilities

Provide research and management of livestock issues affecting members and growers, which will ultimately result in raising the net farm income for producers of these commodities. 

Promote a better understanding of agriculture and its contribution to the economy through presentations, press interviews, correspondence, special programs, reports, video pieces, and personal contacts. 

Work with state and federal agencies, industry groups, and members on issues of disease prevention, emergency response, and risk communication. 

Direct distribution of timely reports to news media and members on livestock issues and events. 

Provide regular communication and help foster mutual activities on issues by establishing and maintaining favorable working relations with other groups and organizations, including agricultural and commodity groups and business and trade organizations. 

Research, develop, and direct marketing programs to effectively implement policy and recommend appropriate implementing actions to the Manager of ICRR and Lead Economist. 

Assist the Manager of ICRR with administering the nomination, appointments, communications, and staffing with MFB Advisory Committees and AFBF Issue Advisory Committees. Direct, plan and conduct meetings of MFB committees to provide information on issues and problems affecting commodities and natural resources. Present their recommendations to the Manager of ICRR, Director of Public Policy Division, and the MFB Board of Directors. 

Provide resource information and background materials concerning major livestock issues. 

Attend major events and meetings sponsored by Farm Bureau, as well as other agricultural groups and properly represent Farm Bureau and its policies at such meetings. 

Participate in the organization of and Farm Bureau representation at statewide trade shows/events. 

Assist the Manager of ICRR to carry out any of the overall functions and daily operations, as the manager may deem appropriate. 

Assist in the development, dissemination and conduct of information and training on policy development techniques and probable issues to individual Farm Bureau members, community groups, county Farm Bureaus and their committees or teams, MFB state committees, MFB Commodity Advisory Committees, Regional Managers, and voting delegates at the MFB and AFBF annual meetings that will result in sound policies. Assist with MFB policy development activities, including staffing subcommittees during the policy development process and MFB annual meeting. Assist in the conduct of statewide, regional or district policy development meetings for county Farm Bureau leaders. 

Research appropriate issues and prepare training materials and information on issues to assist in the development of policies. 

Assist in surfacing and promoting nominees for appointment to various state boards and commissions to represent agriculture. Represent Michigan Farm Bureau and its Affiliated Companies through appointment by the Governor, Legislature, and heads of state departments on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees. 

Assist the Public Policy and Commodity Division director and other division staff in addressing commodity and legislative issues as assigned. 

Assist the State Policy Development Committee in researching and addressing commodity related issues.

Industry Relations Specialist (Livestock) Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field required, or equivalent experience may be considered.

Minimum two years of experience working within Farm Bureau or in an agricultural commodity or marketing field required.

Broad knowledge of a wide range of state, national and international agricultural/environmental/labor issues and an understanding of highly diverse agricultural input supply, production, processing, transportation and marketing systems.

Ability to network with industry leaders to collaborate on addressing commodity issues required.

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, succinctly, and in a manner that appeals to a wide audience, including via telephone, e-mail, and text messages.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, e mail communication, and Internet research required.

Must possess a valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.

Note: Farm Bureau offers a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and 401K.

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